Latest news with #ScotsGaelic
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Daily Record
Top spots for ridge walking in Scotland ranked as iconic 9.7 km route takes top spot
With the popularity of Ridge walking booming in the UK, experts at Blacks have highlighted the top 10 scenic ridge hikes in Scotland. Ridge walking is surging in popularity across the UK, with searches for ridge walks rising by 180 per cent in the past year. This form of hiking, which follows the crest or spine of a mountain or hill, offers walkers panoramic views on both sides and provides an excellent way to boost fitness while soaking up some of the country's most stunning scenery. Outdoor adventure experts at Blacks have analysed factors such as search popularity and weather to identify the top 10 must-visit ridge walks in Scotland. At the top of the list is Aonach Eagach in the Scottish Highlands. Stretching 9.7 kilometres, the trail's name translates from Scots Gaelic as 'Notched Ridge' and crosses several Munros. While the route is challenging and involves some scrambling, it rewards hikers with breathtaking views across Glen Coe, eastwards to the Blackwater Reservoir, and north towards the Mamores and Ben Nevis. Coming in second is Forcan Ridge, a circular trail that features over 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Walkers are treated to sweeping views of Scottish flora and fauna along the way. Despite being searched more than 12,000 times in the past year, reviewers report that the path rarely feels crowded. Third place goes to Carn Mor Dearg Arête, another Scottish Highlands favourite. The route, known for its forests, rivers, and vistas of Ben Nevis, boasts clear skies around 40 per cent of the time, offering walkers reliable visibility for their trek. Calum Jones, an author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, highlighted the appeal of ridge walking while stressing the importance of preparation. 'Ridge walks can be incredibly rewarding, often revealing views that go on as far as the eye can see at the top of peaks, but it is extremely important to make sure you are well prepared before starting any hike,' he said. 'Ridge walks come in very different levels of difficulty: from well-paved, relaxed hiking trails that don't require belaying, to high-grade scrambles. "This makes route planning extremely important. If you have no experience with harnesses, carabiners or ropes, it is best to choose an easy ridge walk that is well paved,' Jones added. Even on simpler routes, preparation is key. 'Durable hiking shoes with strong ankle support and good grip will be essential for any rocky or uneven terrain, while walking poles can provide extra stability and reduce the strain on your joints, which is especially important for any steeper ascents or descents. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "If you are not sure that you have the correct equipment for the difficulty and conditions of the climb, you should not attempt it,' he warned. Jones also emphasised the need to prepare for Scotland's unpredictable weather. 'Ridge walks can be windy, as the path is more exposed. As you climb higher, wind speeds tend to increase, making it cooler. "Wearing base layers allows you to regulate body temperature and manage moisture, keeping you comfortable during your trek. "Clear visibility conditions are preferable for ridge walking and an important consideration for beginners. You should also pack a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of any wet weather,' he said. Ridge walk Area Country Google searches (July 2024 - June 2025) Average % of time with clearer skies Ridge walk score /10 1 Aonach Eagach Highlands Scotland 77,000 40% 8.05 2 Forcan Ridge Highlands Scotland 12,810 40% 5.78 3 Carn Mor Dearg Arête Highlands Scotland 7,320 40% 5.55 4 Devil's Ridge Highlands Scotland 5,500 40% 5.32 4 An Teallach Dundonnell Scotland 65,900 33% 5.32 6 Cuillin Ridge Isle of Skye Scotland 30,200 37% 4.86 7 Trotternish Ridge Isle of Skye Scotland 20,540 37%
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Brigadoon
There is some very stiff competition, but I think Lerner & Loewe's Brigadoon might well stand as the maddest musical of all time, certainly in terms of seriously intentioned mainstream work. It's not been staged in this country for over 30 years and I had wondered if that was because its story of a magic time-hopping Highland village is now considered to be patronising to the Scottish. There probably is an element of that, and top Scots playwright Rona Munro - who has been brought in to partly rewrite the book - has done stuff like have the time-displaced villagers speak Scots Gaelic to each other and suggest they conjured their 'miracle' to escape the tumult of the Jacobite Rebellion. They feel (a bit) more like real people. Really though I think Munro is here because she's a bloody good playwright and her comprehensive rewriting of the story of the two Americans who happen to stumble across Brigadoon gives the absurdly flyweight musical a bit of genuine heft. Originally they were a couple of game-hunting tourists, merrily gunning down wildlife in post-WW2 Scotland. Now it's set during the war and neurotic Jeff (Cavan Clark) and big, boyish Tommy (Louis Gaunt) are bomber pilots who've crashlanded in the wilderness and are now trying to get back to civilization. Tommy is seriously injured. But they're in luck: today is the one day this century that Brigadoon will appear, and the affable locals take to them in a big way. A rejuvenated Tommy falls madly for wise-beyond-her-years (if you don't add 200 to her years) local Fiona (Danielle Fiamanya), while Jeff – who one assumes to be gay in Munro's take – is disconcerted to find himself pursued by the hilariously lusty local lass Meg (a scene-stealing Nic Myers). I know I should probably be taking the plot on the chin and waxing lyrical about the sumptuous score (if you love graceful folk-infused showtunes with the words 'bonnie' and 'lassie' in them it's pretty tip top), Basia Bińkowska's gorgeous heather-filled set and Drew McOnie's fluid, dance-filled direction. But the plot is so transfixingly outlandish that I spent a lot of the second half trying to do maths on my notepad. Ten years to the people of Brigadoon will involve their village travelling over 365,000 years into the future - that's longer than homo sapiens has been around! And on what is merely day two of their odyssey they not only get a couple of random gatecrashers but disgruntled local lad Harry (Danny Nattrass) threatens to leave the village, which will apparently doom them all to oblivion. These are very messy people but they all seem incredibly chill about what's happening. it's a frivolous show. A huge amount of the first half is consumed with the mundane business of the wedding of local lad Charlie (Gilli Jones) to his sweetheart Jean (Jasmine Jules Andrews). I don't care about your wedding Charlie! I care about the implications of the fact any children you might have will probably technically live for something like 30 million years and that none of you really seem to have any thoughts about this! I jest, kind of, but what I would say is that Munro has done such a fine job of updating the Jeff/Tommy bits that it's a shame the village plot is broadly unaltered: there is some genuine poignant stuff about the men's war trauma and a very cleverly updated ending, but ultimately the plot was remains too casually goofy to really have you feel invested in anyone's relationships. Brigadoon doesn't get staged much because it is preposterous, but it has lovely tunes and ultimately it's just very fun that this level of time and care has been pumped into resuscitating what is essentially a curio. Maybe it only deserves to be revived every 100 years itself, but very fun to be living through one of those years
Scotsman
28-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh's Ruma bar hits the market
An Edinburgh bar that is 'home to Scotland's largest collection of rum' is now on the market. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ruma on Broughton Street opened its doors in March last year but due to a 'change in personal circumstances' the venue is now available for lease. Located near to the St James Quarter, the property is described as a 'well-presented bar and restaurant premises' within a 'vibrant trading location'. Ruma - Scots Gaelic for Rum - is home to over 100 bottles of the spirit and offers a high-quality range of signature cocktails including deliciously inventive twists on classic rum serves. The bar does not serve food but agents said there is 'huge potential for new owners to push food' with the premises benefiting from 62 covers and outdoor seating. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ruma on Broughton Street, Edinburgh opened its doors in March 2024 Current owners signed a five-year lease in 2024 which has the option of being extended for an additional five years. The advert states: 'Ruma occupies a prime licensed pitch on the east side of Broughton Street, offering an excellent trading location in a thriving area popular with eclectic bars, restaurants, coffee shops and retail outlets. 'The immediate surrounding area has undoubtedly benefited from the opening of the nearby St James Quarter. Broughton Street also benefits from its close proximity to the tram network, Edinburgh Playhouse, Botanic Gardens as well as the Leith area of the city.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It adds: 'Our clients have traded on a restricted basis offering a niche specialist rum and cocktail offering. The availability of this opportunity should be of significant interest to those looking for a prime city centre location.'
Cambrian News
19-07-2025
- General
- Cambrian News
Ceredigion Whisky beats Scotch to win prestigious award
"My father, John Savage-Ontswedder commissioned the first certified organic whisky in the world back in 1992 so his hard work needs to also be recognised for this achievement. There was no such product on the market at the time- "Dà Mhìle" is actually Scots Gaelic for "two thousand", reflecting how the original product was commissioned to celebrate and toast the new Millenium.
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Local school kids team up with viral Grammy-longlisted young rappers to create new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic
Young musicians (aged 9-12) from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration, blending Irish and Scottish Gaelic in a creative celebration of language, culture, and connection. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The project, led by Cork's Kabin Crew (the collective behind the Grammy Award longlisted viral hit 'The Spark') and Tinderbox Collective, brings together nine young artists from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce (Parkside Primary School), a Gaelic-medium primary school in Edinburgh and five experienced young performers from the Kabin Studio's 'Kabin Crew' project in Cork, who have been co-writing a rap song exploring their shared heritage. Funded by the Foras na Gaeilge – Colmcille Fund, and supported by Barr na gCnoc, University College Cork, the initiative has seen the group connect through eight online writing sessions, where they have shared stories, built friendships, and co-written a rap track that explores the theme 'Edinburgh vs Cork.' During the online sessions, the young artists shared stories about their hometowns, swapped slang, and exchanged other phrases in Irish and Scots Gaelic. The writing process became a cultural exchange as much as a musical one. Each group writes in their own language, yet the similarities between Irish and Scots Gaelic have sparked a lot of interest, fun and humour, which really highlights the deep linguistic and cultural ties between Scotland and Ireland. The result is a vibrant, joyful track that reflects their creativity, curiosity, and cultural pride. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jed Milroy, General Manager at Tinderbox Collective, said: 'Tinderbox Collective are so excited to be collaborating with The Kabin Studio on this unique creative project. Their ambitious approach to making youth music both accessible as well as of the highest quality is truly inspiring for us all and to be part of them using that platform to promote Gaelic and Irish is a real honour. Long may it continue!' Tinderbox Collective and Kabin Crew From grass-roots youth work to award-winning productions, Tinderbox aims to ignite a spark in people – one which fills them with confidence, imagination, and sense of possibility, and helps them achieve things they never thought possible. Their work uses music and the arts to bring people together and strengthen communities, providing exciting opportunities to those who need them most, and supporting young people to build their confidence, skills, self-esteem, and professional experience. Máire Dineen, Programme Manager at Kabin Crew, said: 'The Kabin Studio is delighted to be part of this project and looks forward to building new relationships with our Scottish friends through music and language.' The collaboration will culminate in a professional recording and music video. Five of the Edinburgh participants will travel to Cork on 27th June to record the track at the Kabin Studio, while five members of Kabin Crew will later visit Edinburgh to film the video alongside their new collaborators. The Kabin Studio, based in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is a dynamic youth music and creative hub known for empowering young people through songwriting, rap, and performance. It provides a safe and inspiring space for young artists to express themselves, collaborate, and develop their talents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Talking about this project, Heidi from Kabin Crew, said – 'I feel it's an amazing way for kids in the North Side to learn Irish and Gaelic. I can't wait to meet my new friends in Edinburgh, they were really nice over Zoom, super sweet and I can't wait to meet them' Tinderbox Collective and Kabin Crew writing their song Archie, aged 10, from Edinburgh said – 'It's been working really well getting to write a song in Gaelic and Irish and meeting the Kabin Studio guys. It's really interesting to meet Irish Gaelic rappers. I hope is that if we keep doing this we could get as famous as the Kabin Crew!' By writing and performing in Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, these young artists are helping to bring these rich, historically underrepresented languages to audiences who wouldn't usually engage with them and showing them that Gaelic languages are not only alive but thriving in the voices of the next generation. The Tinderbox and Kabin Crew collaboration will be released later this year.
